Dear Church Family,

As many of you have been praying and seeking to do something to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey we want to share with you a way our church family can respond. Since this seems to be adding up to be the most costly storm in US History there are many waves of support needed. There is a first wave of support which most organizations like Texas Baptist Men or Samaritan’s Purse or the Red Cross provide. They are always the relief prepared to go immediately. However, one of the things we have learned from past relief efforts is that there are additional needs to be met after the first wave of help has ended.

We should not discount the importance of prayer as a critical response. Prayer can do things that an army of people cannot. Pray for the many rescuers who have gone there to help. Pray for the first responders that are still serving in our local communities with limited staff. Pray for the people who are still trapped in their homes and neighborhoods.

If you are looking for ways to help you can give to these first responder organizations directly or through our church family by designating your gift, "Disaster Relief." You can go help with the many others who are already there serving. Thirdly, we are starting a collection to support the needs of these individuals and families for the weeks ahead. We are collecting clothes and general hygiene supplies that can be taken to the Houston area in the coming weeks. This collection includes, jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tennis shoes, new underwear and socks, general hygiene like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, packages of razors, lotion, towels, blankets, sheets, diapers, wipes, formula and baby food. Please drop off your items in the foyer near the welcome desk.

We will keep you updated as things change and additional ways we can respond throughout the coming weeks.